Sector Guides: Law: Jobs & Experience

Law

Jobs and Experience

How to get helpful work experience and get started

Overview

Law is a competitive field; applicants will need to show a high level of ability, experience, and enthusiasm. Use the links on this page to build up experience, find job vacancies, and research the companies

Use the link in this box to find training contracts, or find paralegal experience in the right hand column

Searchable List of Training Contract Providers
It is best to target applications to companies which match your interests so that the applications you send out are targetted and effective. Use this to find the best contracts
Trainee Solicitor Surgery
Another source of recent vacancies

Public Sector Careers

The Government Legal Service
The Civil Service offers both training contracts and pupillages and can contribute to the cost of GDL and LPC fees

Researching Law Firms

Lex 100
The Lex 100 compares companies based on reviews from employees
Legal 500 UK Solicitors
These can be a valuable source of information, though it is worth checking areas aimed at clients as well as those aimed at applicants

Google Alerts
If you are especially interested in a particular company, you can set a Google alert to tell you whenever they get in the news

TARGETjobs Law
includes jobs, tips and applications advice. Plus browse recruiters
Read Law Firm Brochures
Various brochures are available on-line here
Inside Buzz Law Rankings
Law firms rated by several criterea
Grad Diary Law Hub
includes an A-Z of companies, plus insider interviews, applications and real interview questions

Schemes to increase diversity in the legal sector

Society of Asian Lawyers Mentoring Scheme
Mentoring scheme for SAL members (membership is free)
Discuss
Training programme for students who experience social disadvantage. Helps you prepare for making applications for vacation internships
Open
Events for students with a disability or long-term condition who are interested in a career in commercial law
Law Society Events
Runs various events to increase diversity in the sector
City Horizons Solicitors (SEO London)
The City Solicitors Horizons programme is a social mobility initiative to improve access to the legal profession for undergraduates from disadvantaged backgrounds
SEO Corporate Law Programme
Corporate Law Programme connecting students from under-represented and under-privileged backgrounds with commercial law firms. Open to law and non-law undergraduates and graduates in all years of study.

Law Jobs Sites

Vacation Schemes

31 January is a big deadline for summer vacation schemes, but some are earlier. You can check deadlines on these sites:

LawCareers.net - Work Placement Scheme Deadlines
Sub-search for Winter, Spring or Summer schemes
Grad Diary Law Vacation Schemes
A-Z of companies offering vacation schemes

Directories

Law Society's Directory of Solicitors
Chambers and Partners - Guide to the Legal Profession
Legal 500
Information on law firms in many countries
LegalHub Directory of Barristers
Solicitors Online
Directory of Solicitors

Pro-Bono Work

Law Works - Pro Bono opportunities

CareerHub - Law Jobs

The Lawyer

GradDiary

Totally Legal

Articles & Publications

Who says bigger is better?
Article about the advantages of working for small firms
TARGETJobs - Law Vacation Schemes & Mini-pupillages 2015
TARGETjobs Law 2016

Jobs and careers

Law: Jobs & Experience

Law